Scotland is proving just how false the stereotype of the tight-fisted Scot is, as this year charity lottery the People’s Postcode Lottery found the generosity of Scottish players to have surpassed all expectations.

Forty pence from every ticket played by those living in a Scottish postcode goes directly to charities in Scotland. And as 2009 ends this amount has passed the £4 million mark, leaving lottery heads and charities alike delighted. People’s Postcode Lottery Managing Director Jo Bucci said:

“Raising £4 million for charities across Scotland in such a short time is a massive achievement, and it’s thanks to generous Scots from the Highlands to the Borders that we’ve been able to accomplish this. The recession has hit all sectors, and an area of particular concern was the rate of charitable giving. Well, I think Scots have bucked that trend, and should be very proud of doing so. Congratulations!”

Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres is one of the charities that receives regular and unrestricted funding. Others are CHILDREN 1ST, Missing People (in Scotland) and Scottish Wildlife Trust.

The support Maggie's receives from People's Postcode Lottery is invaluable in maintaining free services to those affected by cancer in the UK, as Laura McGill, Corporate Partnerships Manager, explains:

"Without support like this we wouldn't be able to continue running our centres or providing our emotional and practical support services for free.

"The People's Postcode Lottery has raised £846,382 for Maggie's in Scotland and £74,284 for Maggie's in England. This is enough to provide more than 30,000 individual visits or to run a centre for three years.

"Huge thanks to the People's Postcode Lottery and all the players for their continuing support of Maggie's. We wish them every success in 2010."

The People’s Postcode Lottery launched in Scotland in November 2007 and had its first draw on 4 January 2008. Charity partners not only benefit directly from funds but also from the profiles and promotions the People’s Postcode Lottery does to raise awareness of their work. Participants can play both by subscription and by single tickets purchased at participating retailers, details of which can be found at www.winningpostcode.com.

Read more about Maggie's partnership with the People's Postcode Lottery.